A fully decked 42-foot trailer that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Ontario’s college system in 2017 and the colleges’ phenomenal evolution and success arrives in Timmins on Monday, September 11, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“College education is pivotal to Ontario’s prosperity and to ensuring more people succeed in rewarding careers,” said Dr. Fred Gibbons, President and CEO of Northern College. “Our 50th anniversary is a tremendous opportunity to honour our students’ and graduates’ achievements and to highlight our exciting plans for the years ahead.”

The theme for the 50th anniversary celebration in 2017 is The Start of Something Amazing – a celebration of the start of the system 50 years ago, and recognition of how college education marks the start of great career opportunities for growing numbers of students.

The anniversary celebrations have included an online contest – the William G. Davis Innovation Fund – where students and graduates promote creative ventures that are competing for cash prizes. There are also video tributes on the Amazing 50 website from successful graduates from across the province.

A highlight of the anniversary celebrations is the province-wide mobile tour. The fully decked trailer that arrives on September 11 includes:

  • A historical timeline of college milestones over the past 50 years.
  • A game-show-style, head-to-head quiz that tests what visitors know about colleges and pop culture history.
  • Examples of how colleges are promoting environmental stewardship and tackling climate change.
  • Displays that spotlight leading-edge innovations at colleges.
  • Profiles of graduates’ successes in Canada and throughout the world.
  • An opportunity to vote on the top 10 finalists in the William G. Davis Innovation Fund.
  • All modules and displays will be bilingual.

Today’s colleges offer 900 programs in a wide range of fields, including business, advertising, IT, tourism, health care, aviation and the skilled trades. Many graduates are finding rewarding careers in evolving areas such as biotechnology, digital animation and 3D manufacturing.

Successful college graduates include hospital presidents, top TV and radio personalities, celebrity chefs, Hollywood directors and animators, corporate CEOs, chief mine engineers, construction company presidents and many others.

“Our graduates continue to make their mark in every field imaginable,” said Dr. Gibbons. “As new ideas and innovations transform our world, the professional qualifications acquired through a college education are more essential than ever.”

In addition to the interactive trailer, visitors to Northern’s 50th anniversary mobile tour can enjoy a photo area, congratulatory remarks, and self-directed tours. As well, the day will kick off the College’s fifth annual Indigenous Cultural Awareness Week at the Timmins Campus.

The week will provide an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the richness of the local Indigenous cultures that Northern College is fortunate to be a part of with various activities.

Filed under: Local News